Hello everyone! Open Online registration is less than 24 hours away and we are happy to welcome many first time Comic-Con attendees to our family. As a first time attendee we know that the badge purchase process can seem intimidating, but all of the information you need to know to participate in Open Online Registration can be found by visiting our 2014 Badge Sales page. There is also a very detailed Frequently Asked Questions section that should help you navigate the finer details of badge registration.

Here are some of the most common questions we have received since announcing the March 15 sale date.

Q: I bought a Sunday badge during preregistration. Will I be allowed to upgrade to a Preview Night badge during Open Online Registration?

A: If badges are available, you will be allowed to upgrade your preregistration purchase during Open Online Registration. You will not need to cancel your previous purchase. You will simply add on the additional daily badges you desire. This includes the Preview Night option.

However, Preview Night may only be purchased if you already have (or are able to purchase during Open Online Registration) Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday badges. These badge types must all be available for purchase at the time you select the Preview Night option.

Q: I bought all four days during preregistration. Can I try to upgrade to Preview Night?

A: Absolutely! If you have already purchased all four single day badges, you may purchase Preview Night as a stand-alone option if it is available at the time you begin your registration session.

Q: We are a family of four, how do I get badges for everyone if I can only buy for three people?

A: If every person in your family is either an adult or junior attendee, each of you will have your own personal registration code. This means that you will have four registration codes you can authorize for entry into the waiting room, giving you four separate spots in line! To utilize four registration codes, you must enter each code on a different browser or device. For example, if you have two devices in your home, you can enter the first two codes in separate browsers on one device, and the second two codes in separate browsers on the second device. You can run multiple browsers on a single device if you have one unique registration code for each browser. However, you cannot run multiple tabs or instances of the same browser. You must use separate browsers for each registration code (ie: Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, etc..)

Once your first registration code has reached the front of the line, you will be able to buy badges for up to three members of your family. If your second registration code reaches the front of the line, enter the Member ID and last name of the final family member you are buying for, regardless of which registration code reached the front of the line. They will then be able to purchase their own badge and 2 others if desired. If you attempt to enter the Member ID and last name of any family member who got badges during your first registration session, it will not validate. You must enter only the Member ID and last name of the person you are now buying badges for.

Q: I have a Comic-Con Member ID but my friend does not. Can I buy them a badge?

A: Unfortunately, no. A Comic-Con Member ID is required for everyone who wishes to purchase a badge for Comic-Con 2014. The Member ID system was open for new sign ups since August of last year. It closes – without notification – in advance of badge sales every year.

Q: What time do I need to enter the waiting room? Is it 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM Pacific time?

A: The EPIC waiting room will open at 7:00 AM Pacific Time for registration code entry. However, you do not need to arrive at 7:00 AM to participate. Sleep in! Take your time! Make a hot pot of coffee! You do not need to arrive to the waiting room until about 10 – 15 minutes prior to 9:00 AM Pacific Time. Arriving early to the waiting room does not give you an advantage, so save yourself the wait and arrive shortly before 9:00 AM.

That said, please keep in mind that the waiting room will close at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. You must arrive prior to 9:00 AM to participate in Open Online Registration.

Q: My friend doesn’t have a Member ID. I’m not attending this year, can he use mine?

A: No. Member IDs are non-transferrable. Attendees must show a photo ID when they arrive onsite to pick up a badge. If a friend uses your Member ID to purchase a badge, he will not be issued a badge when he arrives. Also, please keep in mind that by registering for a Comic-Con Member ID, you agree not to sell or trade your Member ID and further you agree that if you do so, Comic-Con has the right to cancel your Member ID and any associated badges.

Q: Can I share my registration code with a friend?

A: We certainly wouldn’t recommend doing that. A registration code may only be redeemed for one entry into the waiting room. Whoever uses the code last, will be the only person allowed to enter.

This means that if you enter your registration code and gain access to the waiting room, and then you give your registration code to a friend and they enter it to gain access, your session will expire and you will be kicked out of the waiting room. Your friend’s device and browser will be authorized and you will be left out in the cold. Just don’t risk it!

Q: How do I know if my computer is set up correctly to enter the waiting room?

A: Your browser should have Javascript and cookies enabled to function reliably in the waiting room. These features are usually enabled in the default configuration of most modern web browsers. If you do not have these features enabled, it is possible that the waiting room application will not function properly. To check your browser settings, please visit the EPIC Landing Page link that was sent to you via email. There you will find an additional link that will check your settings and give you a pass/fail grade.

Also, make sure your computer’s power saving settings are off or adjust them if needed. We don’t want your computer to power down or go to sleep while you’re waiting!

Q: Can I use my iPad to buy a badge?

A: Yes! The EPIC Registration waiting room has been tested on an iPad. However, please keep in mind that the registration system is not formatted for an iPad or other mobile devices.

Q: What if I am kicked out of the waiting room after 9:00 AM or lose connectivity while I am in line?

A: If you entered the waiting room prior to 9:00 AM, your registration code will be authorized for re-entry after 9:00 AM if needed. Simply return to the EPIC landing page and enter your registration code again. You will be put back in line in the same spot you were previously.

Q: I am buying badges for my friends. Can we each use our own credit card for purchase? Do you accept PayPal or debit cards?

A: Comic-Con accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express only. If your debit card has a Visa or MasterCard logo, you will be able to use it for purchase.

We're sorry, but we cannot accept PayPal or payments using multiple credit cards. You may only use one credit card for payment during your registration session.

Q: I am an exhibitor or a returning member of the press, do I need to register for a Comic-Con badge during Open Online Registration this Saturday?

A: No. Comic-Con 2014 press and exhibitor registration will occur at a later date. If you are returning “Not Due” press, or a confirmed exhibitor, you will be notified via email when online badge registration opens.

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MISSION STATEMENT
Comic-Con International: San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular artforms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.